Erie County OH Recorder: Deeds & Records

The official Recorder document search uses Erie County’s Tyler public-records portal. You can search recorded instruments using party names and other search categories, then open available images.

1. Open the official search portal.

   Complete the “I Am Not A Robot” check when prompted.

2. Select Public Records Search.

   Choose the document search option rather than an unrelated court or property-tax service.

3. Enter a name.

   Under Both Names, use last name, a space, then first name. Example: Smith Jane.

4. Run the search.

   Review the indexed documents and compare the relevant parties, dates and recording references.

5. Open the document image.

   Select the paper icon or the VIEW option when an image is available.

6. Download or print.

   The county allows free downloading and printing of available online images.

What documents can you look for?

If you know only the property address, first use the Erie County Auditor’s real-estate property search. That can help identify the assessed owner and parcel information before you search recorded deeds.

1. Open the Auditor’s property-search resources.

   Choose the available real-estate or property-search option.

2. Find the address.

   Match the address with the correct parcel and property record.

3. Note the owner’s name.

   Also save the parcel identifier and any available transfer information.

4. Return to Recorder search.

   Use the owner or previous-owner name to locate the deed and related recordings.

Auditor’s Office

Address: 247 Columbus Avenue, Room 210, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Phone: 419-627-7746. Email: ecao@eriecounty.oh.gov.

For many deeds, the easiest option is to search the Recorder’s website, open the document image and download it for free.

If an image is unavailable online, the Recorder accepts copy requests in person, by mail and by email.

Email a copy request

1. Search for the reference.

   Note the document’s book/page or other identifying details.

2. Contact the Recorder.

   Use the Recorder’s official contact email and state that you need a document copy.

3. Identify the document.

   Include book/page numbers, whether you want the full document and your contact phone number.

4. Confirm payment.

   The office can contact you about a credit-card payment for emailed copies.

5. Receive the copy.

   Follow the office’s instructions for email delivery or a mailed request.

Erie County accepts recordable documents that meet Ohio law. The specific steps depend on whether the instrument transfers ownership or only creates, modifies or releases another recorded interest.

1. Prepare the legal instrument.

   Use the appropriate document, accurate party names and legal description. Have a qualified professional assist if the transfer is complicated.

2. Check notarization and formatting.

   Review required signatures, the notarial acknowledgment, first-page margins and preparer information.

3. Visit the Recorder first when recommended.

   County staff can look over basic recording requirements before transfer-office processing.

4. Complete any Auditor transfer approval.

   Documents transferring ownership or involving transfer-on-death designation or confirmation generally require transfer-office stamping.

5. Submit for recording.

   Present the document in person or use eligible electronic recording. Pay the correct Recorder fee separately from transfer charges.

6. Keep the recording reference.

   Include a sufficiently large self-addressed stamped envelope if the originals must be mailed back.

Document-preparation checklist

Erie County has announced a change to its standard recording cost starting December 21, 2026. Use the rate that applies when your document is submitted.

Standard recording examples

These are illustrative recording charges only. Conveyance fees, additional marginal references or special document charges are not included.

Standard Ohio formatting

Erie County accepts electronic recording for many eligible instruments, including property-transfer documents. Frequent filers generally use an approved provider account.

Each provider may have account requirements and service fees in addition to applicable county charges. Verify document eligibility and payment procedures before enrollment.

The Recorder offers free online Fraud Protection that sends alerts when new documents are recorded under names you have registered.

This is particularly helpful for homeowners monitoring an unexpected deed, lien or other recording involving their name.

1. Open the Fraud Protection page.

   Choose the county’s signup link and complete the anti-robot check.

2. Accept the terms.

   Choose Fraud Protection, then SIGN UP.

3. Create an account.

   Enter a user ID, password, email and the other required contact information.

4. Activate your email.

   Find the “Activate your account” email from erieohrecorder and verify your address.

5. Add names to monitor.

   The county suggests entering the full surname, a space and the first three letters of the given name.

6. Include other relevant names.

   Add co-owners, former names and applicable business or trust names. Select Business when appropriate, then save.

The Recorder cannot create your account for you because staff should not have access to your password or private login information.

Does paying off a mortgage give you a new deed?

No. A deed and a mortgage are different documents. The deed concerns ownership; a mortgage is a financing instrument. After payoff, the release or satisfaction documents the mortgage’s discharge.

Will the Recorder search for every lien on my property?

No. Recorder staff can show you how to begin public research, but the office does not carry out full deed-history, lien or easement searches. Hire a title examiner if you need a complete investigation.

What about a document recorded before 1990?

Some historical records have been added to the online system, while others may require help from the office. Call with the parties’ names and approximate date before traveling.

Can I get legal forms from the Recorder?

The Recorder states that staff cannot prepare deeds, provide blank legal documents or advise which instrument is appropriate. A qualified Ohio attorney can help with that decision.